Experimental Error in Archimedes Principle Lab

[GiantSheeps]

Homework Statement

I need to find three potential reasons for my .5% error in a lab where I used the Archimedes Principle to measure the density of Iron. We only used a graduated cylinder full of water and an iron mass. I measured the water level from the meniscus. We used two different machines to measure the mass of the iron.

Human error does not count, reasons must be "scientific and thoughtful".

2. No formulas on this one, I've already calculated the percent error

The Attempt at a Solution

So I'm having a lot trouble with this one! So far all I have is a potential reason is impurities in the iron ore used to make the masses.

I figure since it's such a small amount of error that reasons will be little things like that. Any hints/help would be greatly appreciated! I really am stuck

Thank you so much!

 

[Bystander]

https://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/techniques/flasks.html

 

[GiantSheeps]

https://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/techniques/flasks.html

Ah thank you very much! They only measure within 1%, so the .5% error makes perfect sense! Thank you, thank you